Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Borat (2006)
Borat came to mock America, but only America could love Borat for doing just that. Very Nice!"Borat," the 2006 satirical mockumentary. The film's conspicuously offensive humor, aimed at generating laughter rather than causing insult, was lauded by critics. The Boston Globe's Ty Burr praised the film's inventive brand of silliness, naming it the funniest film of the year. Michael Medved found the film to be a perfect mix of hilarity and discomfort, resulting in an experience worth sharing and reliving. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone's Peter Travers urged viewers to experience the outrageous fun that the film offered, and The Atlantic hailed it as potentially the funniest film of the decade.
Despite this broad acclaim, the film did face some criticism. American critic Joe Queenan went so far as to label Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor playing Borat, an "odious twit". However, Christopher Hitchens, writing for Slate, defended the film against accusations of anti-American sentiment, arguing instead that it showcased the remarkable tolerance of the Americans Borat interacted with.
The film's controversial humor and the character of Borat also sparked discussions about national identities. Scenes from the film were shared on YouTube, leading to debates about the different national and cultural identities Baron Cohen portrayed in his character.
"Borat" drew significant backlash from the government of Kazakhstan, who initially denounced the film, threatened to sue Baron Cohen, and even took down Borat's Kazakh-based website. However, over time, the country's stance towards the film softened. The Kazakh ambassador to the UK even acknowledged the film's humor and acknowledged its role in putting Kazakhstan on the map. The Kazakh Foreign Minister attributed a significant rise in tourism to the film.
Eventually, those in Kazakhstan saw the film as a valuable public relations tool. The Kazakh tabloid Karavan declared "Borat" the best film of the year, praising it as a sharp critique of American culture. Kazakh novelist Sapabek Asip-uly credited Baron Cohen for garnering global interest in Kazakhstan and suggested that he be nominated for an annual award by the Kazakh Club of Art Patrons.
- You are under the age of 18
- You are easily offended by crude humor
- You dislike political satire
- Mockumentary style films are not to your liking
- Offensive language is offputting to you
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Borat"? I mean, here's a guy who travels halfway around the world to learn about American culture, and he ends up wrestling nude with his producer in a hotel room! I've been to plenty of hotels, and the most action I've ever seen is a heated argument over the mini bar charges. And can we talk about his suit? It's like someone took the wallpaper from a 1970's bachelor pad and thought, 'Yeah, that'll make a great look for an on-camera interview!' I mean, who does that? It's like a cultural exchange program gone horribly, horribly wrong...and yet, I can't look away!
Bruno (2009):
If you're a fan of "Borat," then you would appreciate "Bruno". This movie is another daring and audacious mockumentary led by Sacha Baron Cohen. In this eccentric film, Cohen plays Bruno, a flamboyant Austrian fashion journalist embarking on various misadventures in the US. Just like "Borat," it's a no-holds-barred comedy that aims to question societal norms.
The Dictator (2012):"The Dictator" is yet another Sacha Baron Cohen feature. This film strays a bit from Cohen's usual mockumentary format but still promises to deliver his characteristic humor and satire. Here, he portrays General Aladeen, a tyrannical dictator who risks his life to prevent democracy from reaching his country. While the comedy is offbeat, it's likely to appeal to fans of the humor found in "Borat".
Bad Grandpa (2013):"Bad Grandpa," a part of the Jackass franchise, uses pranks on real, unsuspecting people to deliver humor similarly to "Borat". The film features Johnny Knoxville and Jackson Nicoll as a pair of trouble-making grandparent-grandchild duo embarking on a cross-country trip. The fun lies in the outrageous situations and reactions they provoke.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016):If you're open to a comedic mockumentary with a twist, "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" is a recommended choice. This film cleverly mocks the documentaries made about the trials and tribulations of being famous musicians. It's a hilarious take on the pop music industry, brought to you by The Lonely Island, a comedic music group renowned for their satirical and comedic genius.
Da Ali G Show (2000-2004):And lastly, though it's not a movie, "Da Ali G Show" certainly merits a shout-out. The series established Sacha Baron Cohen as a master of characterization and satirical comedy. Just like "Borat," it uses outlandish character creation to critique and satirize various aspects of society. It's a must-watch if you're a fan of "Borat".
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